Judging by her happy-go-lucky creations, you wouldn’t know that Devora Transou’s career as a stationery and gift artist began with a not-so-serendipitous accident — every bone in her left hand was shattered in a car crash, and doctors said she may never regain its full use. Artistic expression became therapy, and Transou — who was determined to recover — began the healing process by sketching greeting cards for family and friends. Today, she still renders her works left-handed, and says her creativity is a
celebration and a blessing.

Transou’s whimsical illustrations quickly drew a fan following, which led to the launch of a full design business and product lines found in stores nationwide. PaperSassy is the brick-and-mortar realization of her plan to open the doors on a local storefront, and this boutique in downtown Kernersville is anything but stationary. “I get excited because the possibilities in art are endless,” says Transou, whose personality flows like vibrant ink onto PaperSassy’s spectrum of wares. “My joy is in sharing what I do.”

Here, anyone can make their best impression with personalized invitations, envelopes, letterhead, accessories, planners, and gifts, as well as signature items like dry-erasable magnetic bulletin boards known as Magulletins. “People connect with me, and they want to tell their friends that this is their store,” she says.

Transou reciprocates the community’s support by working with Forsyth County-based production facilities and hosting art camps for children. She also recently sponsored a grant awarded by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce that will benefit art in education. 

“One of my mottos is, ‘Come here with a smile, leave here with a grin,’ ” she says.

PaperSassy is at 113 W. Mountain St. in Kernersville. For more information, call 336-497-4730 or go to
papersassy.com.